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Things to do in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds comprises the second largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the whole country. Characterised by rolling hills and quintessential British villages, this area is not to be missed on your next trip to England.

There are so many things to do in the Cotswolds that you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice when you visit. One of the most scenic parts of England, this area stretches across several different counties, including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Somerset. The region’s iconic ‘chocolate box’ cottages nestled within its cosy villages are iconic thanks to their use of honey-coloured Cotswold limestone, unique to this area.

This region is perfect if you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, with miles of unspoilt countryside filled with a myriad of walking trails for you to roam. You’ll find yourself stumbling across picturesque villages, impressive manor houses, and stately gardens, to name just a few of the sites common to this beautiful area.

Need some additional peace of mind when booking your trip to The Cotswolds this year? Our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility on your departure time, plus you can avoid cancellations fees when you upgrade to our Fully Flexi ticket option. Start exploring the Cotswolds today and book direct for the best deals!

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Chipping Norton
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Blenheim Palace
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Ancient Corinium
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Broadway Tower

Things to do in the Cotswolds

Go back in time in Chipping Norton

The bustling market town of Chipping Norton is the perfect place to start your trip around the Cotswolds. Its winding streets are characterised by old buildings built in the traditional yellow Cotswold stone, giving the entire place a quintessential English feel.

Situated at the highest point of Oxfordshire in the Cotswold Hills, the town also affords fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. In the nearby area you can find the Rollright Stones, an ancient megalithic stone circle shrouded in mysterious local legends, which are definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history.

In the town centre you can enjoy wandering the streets and marvelling at the many historic and listed buildings, such as the Town Hall, alms houses, and churches. Chipping Norton also features an impressive array of independent shops if you’re in the mood for a bit of retail therapy, or pubs dating back centuries which are the perfect spot to stop off for a pint and a bite to eat after a long day of exploring.

Marvel at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, just 20 minutes outside of Oxford, is one of the largest houses in England and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this grand house is steeped in over 300 years of fascinating British culture. Join a guided tour to discover beautiful State Rooms full of collections containing priceless paintings, tapestries, and furniture, as well as stunning bedrooms and a permanent Churchill Exhibition. If you’re interested in history then this is the perfect place for you to visit.

The grounds of the palace are equally magnificent; here you can discover the beautiful Formal Gardens which you can wander through to marvel at the numerous examples of different historic styles. The Pleasure Gardens and Butterfly House are perfect places to go to entertain the whole family. Here you can take a fun trip on the miniature train, get lost in the Marlborough Maze, and discover incredible butterfly species from all over the world.

Discover Ancient Corinium

Corinium Dobunnorum was an ancient Roman settlement located in what is now present-day Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Cirencester is an old market town, similar to Chipping Norton, and is renowned for its Roman Corinium Museum. The museum is packed full of archaeological treasures which have been excavated from the local area, and is a fantastic place to visit to discover the story of the Cotswolds from prehistoric times up to the modern day.

Boasting an excellent interactive experience, perfect for the whole family, here you can view thousands of objects on display, from beautiful Roman mosaics to prehistoric tools to medieval sculptures. The museum has risen to fame from its recent partnership with the Google Cultural Institute, as well as featuring an extensive variety of events and exhibitions ranging from Medieval Brass workshops to kids’ activities like Roman Games. There really is something for everyone here.

Broadway Tower and the Cotswold Edge

Broadway Tower is a unique architectural structure, ideal for visitors wanting to experience some rich English heritage in an unbeatable location. The second-highest point in the Cotswolds, the tower offers unrivalled views of a great expanse of beautiful countryside. Inside the tower itself are three floors featuring a variety of exhibitions detailing the history of its occupants over the years, as well as beautiful examples of the work of William Morris, the leader of the Arts and Crafts movement. You can also find out about the role that the tower played during both World War Two and the Cold War.

The Edge of the Cotswolds is over 50 miles long, providing some stunning scenery perfect for long country walks. Lose yourself amongst incredible views of honey-coloured limestone cliffs and hints of its history, from Neolithic to Roman and Medieval ruins that can be found dotted about wherever you look. You’ll also be able to delight in some of the natural flora and fauna, from beautiful wildflowers to birds and grasshoppers; this is sure to be one walk you won’t forget for a long time.